@Daniel *************

I know of several business owners that are active in their investments and are seen on a regular basis. Some even have name cards with them listed as Owner / CEO. Provided the business is structured legally and you are employing the correct number of employees, paying taxes and not making problems, you can probably be happy. But you should speak to a good lawyer before committing.

@Daniel *************

and if you are based in Bangkok and do your 90 day reporting @ CW, you do not have to wait in queue, just identify yourself as a TE member (you also receive a membership card / photo ID) and they will process you immediately. Thereafter you can file online or by post.

@Daniel *************

Better to buy it and hire a professional to run it / manage it on your behalf...might require a holding company as well. If you go this more active investment route, you should contact a lawyer for advise. For me, the best advantage of the TE visa is you have the choice of never having to travel and remain in the kingdom for the long term OR traveling frequently and enjoying the finest VIP departure and arrival service available, in any class, ie: First Class or Economy. The choice is yours.

@Daniel *************

If you become a member you will find that most of us are engaged in property investment and Thai Elite hosts multiple seminars with developers to showcase various projects on offer, plus assistance with private banking.

All I can say Daniel is that in nearly two decades of living, investing and doing business here, I have never had a work permit.

Not at all, as the owner you are not on payroll, you have no time card.

FYI:

There is no mention of the word "tourist" on the elite visa sticker, and it does not state Employment is Prohibited", as the tourist visa stickers have noted. But everyone knows you cannot hold a work permit while an elite member.

You can both own or be an investor in any business, but you cannot have any work permit. Thailand Elite is a PE visa which does not allow for employment. I am a Thai Elite member and have had business investments.

He might not easily have that kind of cash....